Our People in ACT
Alexander Barbaro - Canberra Raffie wins scholarship to Oxford
HARVARD, Oxford, Yale and Cambridge are centres of learning that conjure up thoughts of excellence and achievement available to only a selected few.
FLTLT Alexander Barbaro, of Pearce, is among those selected few after being awarded a General Sir John Monash Scholarship to go to Oxford University to complete studies in their chosen fields. FLTLT Barbaro, an Engineering Officer from Headquarters Air Command at RAAF Base Glenbrook, is set to do three years study as a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering; specifically in ultra-wideband (UWB) communications.
“Effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum is becoming increasingly important,” FLTLT Barbaro said.
“UWB communications has the potential to be applied extensively within Defence and the wider community. In particular, the unique characteristics of UWB communications make it very useful to wireless communications and radar.”
FLTLT Barbaro studied at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and is the Fundraising Officer for “Soldier On,” a charity supporting veterans wounded on operations, raising funds and instituting programs.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support for Soldier On. It is fantastic that so many Australians are concerned with the wellbeing of their wounded veterans,” he said.
With his academic, military and charity background, FLTLT Barbaro had an impressive CV to present to the panel that awarded the scholarships.
“The application process was fairly thorough,” FLTLT Barbaro said.
“I had to submit an application which included several written pieces and academic transcripts. I then sat state and national selections panels,” he said.
Although he will be absent from Air Force for those years at Oxford, FLTLT Barbaro agrees his chain of command has been supportive of the opportunity to study at the prestigious institution. FLTLT Barbaro said his chain of command at 1 Combat Communications Squadron, where he was when he applied and was notified that he had won, were extremely supportive.
“They were one of the first to hear. I can’t thank them enough for their support,” he said.